GoldLink: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

June 13, 2018 | Sidney Madden -- GoldLink is a man of the people. As a D.C. native, the skinny, stylish rapper acted as if his Tiny Desk performance was a family reunion and took the opportunity to invite everybody and their cousin in as his guests.
To mark the moment, Link wore a crisp T-shirt reading 'I Told You So' - a nod to the haters, no doubt - and jumped around his discography to perform cuts from each of his three projects: "Bedtime Story" from 2014's The God Complex, "Dark Skin Women" from 2015's And After That, We Didn't Talk and finally "Some Girl" and "Pray Everyday (Survivor's Guilt)" from 2017's At What Cost. But instead of the usual Steve Lacy or Kaytranada-aided beats, Link delivered his verses accompanied by a smooth six-piece band and two velvet-voiced singers. (Link's longtime producer Louie Lastic plays bass for the entire set.)
"Thank y'all for being here. It's mad overwhelming lowkey," Link admitted with a laugh at the audience that had flocked in his honor. As he loosened up, Link made time for bossa nova steps and shoulder shimmies, and by the end of the four-song set, he had the crowd swaying as well.
Last year was a significant one for the 25-year-old rapper once considered one of hip-hop's oddballs. His incorporation of electro-bounce beats into tongue-twisting rhymes earned Link a web following back in 2013, but it was just last year when he finally heard his voice on national radio thanks to the breakout track "Crew." The subdued stinger produced by Teddy Walton and featuring fellow D.C. area natives Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy showcased Link's nonchalant cadence in a digestible fashion. While "Crew" enjoyed a slow burn - gradually accumulating streams and spins as a summer song in 2017 and earning the artist his first Grammy nomination earlier this year in the category of Best Rap Performance - it also positioned him as a new musical savior of his city. Link used this spotlight to draw attention to D.C.'s overlooked influence on popular music. On his album, At What Cost, Link traces the history of go-go, gun violence and gentrification in his hometown. As the poet recited before "Pray Everyday (Survivor's Guilt)," Link's goal through his music is "for the DMV to reign for many moons."
Set List
"Bedtime Story"
"Dark Skin Women"
"Some Girl"
"Pray Everyday (Survivor's Guilt)"
MUSICIANS
D'Anthony Carlos (GoldLink), Kiara Brown (Kelow) (Poet), Elliot Skinner (Vocals), Grace Weber (Vocals), Billy Davis (Musical Director/Keyboardist), Alex Ben-Abdallah (Louie Lastic) (Bassist), Danny McKinnon (Guitarist), Darren Hanible (Lil Dream) (Drummer), Burt Jackson (Trumpet), Marvill Martin (Violinist)
CREDITS
Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Beck Harlan; Production Assistant: Amal Handley; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@TGCid01]

Ya'll goin nuts lately.

[@jjumpee16]

T. Gordon no but really

[@DA0613]

dafuq... ok Cat Lives Matter Durden

[@IkesLionsDen]

@@WhereEaglesDare77 same with Christianity...but it is what it is

[@digo0981]

0:00 Bedtime Story 2:05 Dark Skin Women 6:05 Some Girl 9:37 Pray Everyday (Survivor's Guilt)

[@bfosterETV]

such a perfect version of bedtime story.

[@king6192009]

Thank you so much

[@thegiantsquidofanger]

Some Girl was done flawlessly

[@tmoe6674]

Preciate it

[@tia4936]

I love that he played a song from least to most recent project

[@KJ-je9pm]

That Some Girl performance is just legendary! You can tell GoldLink was really affected by his breakup.

[@longlivemoses5539]

I felt it

[@agustinpaezllanos3626]

@@longlivemoses5539 me 2

[@beskepcret77]

In my humble opinion...GoldLink shines more with the live band. Straight killin'...🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@zwelimdlalose1059]

Totally agree but I guess everyone just sounds better on tiny desk

[@yazeedsalaam6621]

beskepseekrit77 I second that!!!

[@jaydenhusfelt8221]

i agree but some girl sounds a lil better with steve

[@leahjackson8340]

The back up singers were absolutely incredible their harmomies were nothing but perfect

[@Fdubsdee]

The dude is Elliot Skinner from Thirdstory. You wanna hear some harmonies like for real?? Check out those dudes.

[@GenesisRockwell]

I'm simply captivated.

[@zebracakez2168]

Whittney Davis i can’t believe I didn’t recognize him! 😭 he’s absolutely amazing

[@bobicusminimus3005]

Grace Weber and Elliot Skinner! They’re both sooo good

[@AHKAHKI]

Fax

[@wolyeonemusic]

WHATS HAPPENING TO TINY DESK THESE FEW WEEKS LITERALLY ON FIRE!!! OMG!!!

[@aiht533]

wolye one 💯💯💯💯💯

[@zoomzoomtentacionxxx4975]

It's festivals timeeeee that's why all those artist are in Europe I guess

[@lilricky707]

this is in the US zoomzoom

[@stayawakeinthesummer]

thank god .... that he performed ... some girl ... so underrated

[@AyeshaGo]

GoldLink just drips soul. He's flawless.

[@burntreflection4500]

Your cleavage is flawless.

[@Jaybrown223]

You're flawless queen😍😍

[@anthonysguazzato7790]

facts darling

[@KJVDaniel1.17]

Ayesha Go. I watched two random videos and saw you comment in both ! Girl you are beautiful

[@0s0xkiing32]

With Eddie Wong on the keys lol

[@freedomskitchin1441]

I mean really how does one even listen to the original songs after NPR? I cant, I've been listening to this for a week straight every morning and night, im certain my unborn child is going to come out singing "dark skinned women"!! WHAT POWER!!! GoldLink You BOSS!!!

[@elishanain4739]

When he said he was from DC, Maryland, Virginia, I could totally relate: Born in Maryland, raised in Virginia, got fam all over DC. DMV for life.

[@ates423]

Elisha Nain bro

[@tylerjackson7177]

This one right here for DC, this one right here’s for POLO!

[@PrettiMiki]

It don't get more DMV than us...Born in DC, Raised in MD, Live in VA now.

[@lordsterling5022]

Same here! Born in PG raised in Fairfax!

[@specialgriffin5306]

@Pio Pius My college best friend is from Maryland (pg county one of thee richest black county in America) I've been going to DMV every yr since I was 19. I'm 30 now. I love it. Black Privilege at it's finest. Very Expensive tho.

[@Joanna-ft6zd]

All my favorite artists in the last few weeks thank y'all❤

[@itskarruh]

First off Mr Goldlink sir .... you have ELLIOTT AND GRACE singing flawlessly behind your talented ass LAWWDDDD What have I done to deserve these many blessing !!!! Also NPR yall have been ON IT with All these amazing artist these last few episodes ... We need Allen Stone now .

[@mikejones2699]

Karra Le'Shone hi

[@itskarruh]

Whats up

[@jordanj5250]

Grace who? Instagram?

[@roenalaurice]

Who are thos bv singers please link?

[@itskarruh]

Yall lmao ... its @Elliottskinner & @graceweber on IG

[@zislec]

It was about time! Srly NPR, you guys killing it lately 👏😎

[@griz1355]

Seriously!!! They are going off

[@Loedelio]

and khalid just got uploaded to their website this morning.

[@cckdex]

srsly get that hattrick

[@krysroc]

NPR is so lit🔥🔥🔥

[@iamatis20]

WORD?

[@thestarsof2012]

That keyboardist is on another plane

[@hughwilliamdavies8270]

Billy Davis and the Goodlords is his band. Look them up.

[@evilgenius151]

right! lol

[@Horac3]

For those who aren’t hip to DC/Maryland culture, the pattern the drummer is hitting on Pray Everyday is a GoGo bounce beat. “DMV reign for many Moons”🤟🏾😎

[@jaredharris8510]

This is too smooth. Tiny desk keep delivering.

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@nightowl1596]

NPR need to chill for a while I haven't even finished with Tom Misch

[@RewMec226]

Night Owl hahah lol

[@Lexlugr]

Night Owl. lmao. Crazy

[@cckdex]

hahaha accurate

[@banihafidhandrayu9145]

ahahaha lmao

[@katseletisha9735]

lol crazy

[@sofia_prado]

i’m crying he’s so fun with who he’s performing and with what he’s doing it looks so natural made me big hap

[@andreearzolaquevedo779]

Some girl was "celestial "

[@shanthemusickid]

OH MY GOD YES

[@MrBlazzin101]

Bro goldlink is the man. Definitely gotta squeeze him into my list of favorite rappers, cause the list is small. Pray very day is the jam. Wish he had played zipporah.

[@oscarjean8315]

NPR high key been snapping lately with all these amazing artists. honestly so amazing loved this one. 😁😁😁

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@AirlinerGold]

Yo the keyboard player low key grooving like there's no tomorrow! My man

[@seanbell8216]

Billy Davis and the Good Lords. Ya welcome

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@Kudagraz]

That's melon's son

[@Ashjak87]

He really is tho so are the BGVS

[@pethimbo]

Can we please get SiR NEXT!!!!

[@Siobhan90sBaby]

Abed Elago that would be so dope!

[@MickeyDs14]

Abed Elago yesssss!!!

[@keithb1687]

facts. I feel like this will happen real soon. But in the meantime you can watch his soulection performance which is dope as well

[@blahblah9682]

my heart can’t take that 😭

[@yeshuatjie1578]

Abed Elago yesss

[@ashleygotbestcrew]

elliot and grace (backup vocals) sounded so good together wow i love this

[@graceweber]

ashley bermudez 🧡🧡

[@cindr1]

Those backing vocals though! Beautiful....Thank you NPR

[@jayma7430]

Yall gotta do smino next

[@zionmoore1047]

on my mama bruh

[@NolanBaynesII]

what does this have to do with anything...

[@brandoncarter78]

Real Talk!!!

[@kimberlyorn4582]

you on to something ❗️❗️❗️

[@soundjonez]

Jadija X factory

[@Chris-br7qo]

This version of darkskin woman almost made me cry

[@freedomskitchin1441]

i cried

[@tlangiemakhubela4946]

I like the way he sings dark skin women

[@ania5378]

“I wrote this about an ex...stupid.” this guy! 😂😂

[@reginasmith6276]

He's good we need more music !!!! they need to play his music more on the radio! 2022

[@EkeneAnonyai]

Grace Weber and Elliot Skinner killinggggg it on background vocals!! Almost didn't recognize Elliott, but that tone and those riffs !!!!!

[@callummoodley6311]

Npr coming through with heat these past couple of days, someone need a raise

[@aiht533]

Callum Moodley 💯

[@cckdex]

hahahahah truth

[@heyguesswhat2414]

Agreed. Let’s start a go fund me for them lol

[@alexandrelozano7565]

Agreed

[@zionmoore1047]

summer got them inspired for real🔥

[@buuuuusi4362]

When he started singing, I lost it. 😻😭

[@solomontratlele2217]

where you from????

[@buuuuusi4362]

Solomon T Ratlele South Africa ✌

[@solomontratlele2217]

lets work from south africa next to Vaal University of Technology and I am a soulful dj and you?

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@earthsdelight]

Goldlink is literally flawless ❣️

[@tatummraz9336]

"some girl" is my favorite. best

[@Niggus_14]

🔥💯

[@wakucakaunitabua9018]

MOOD: Goldlink dancing at the end of ‘Some Girl’

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@peanutbutterlollipop]

it needs to be a GIF!!!

[@kitanna33]

Dvsn next !

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@23kently]

Whoa

[@laithzalatimo1140]

Why is the pianist having a better time than the audience

[@ashleymahone3124]

cause the audience is starstruck

[@21LASCIVIOUS1986]

Laith Zalatimo cause he's probably a fan of goldlink ♥️😍

[@vanyagitaazaria3842]

he's giving me mac miller vibes

[@brittsade3713]

Laith Zalatimo he is feeling that shit, and I feel him

[@KGREEN92]

Next we want Brent Faiyaz NPR!

[@amosculbreth5308]

That boy can Sang !

[@adiyahcrenshaw6126]

Periodddd!

[@naosayo2061]

I sweR

[@prettynikkiwhattheycallme4856]

Yes pleassssssssssssssse!!!!!!

[@jezikah1jezikah143]

YESSSSS BRENT!!!

[@18r8to10]

That backup singer in love with Goldlink lmao

[@xjustuke]

Mads Rahbek who could blame her tho 🤔

[@starbabi77]

Super in tune.... music is love😉

[@joelrobertson6520]

Ethan Feldman stop man

[@SheKeepsPassinMeBy]

Watched it again and yeeeaaaah she is.

[@gabybabyf]

Mads Rahbek ***Grace Weber. Look her up, she’s pretty dope. Elliot Skinner, other back up, is part of a group called Thirdstory. Talent all throughout this!

[@belle5236]

Anyone else just come back to listen to the vocalists harmonies!? 😍❤🔥 Grace Weber & Elliot Skinner ❤❤❤

[@tonyantunez8162]

Just what I needed! What’s next Kaytranada??? Y’all can make anything go down NPR

[@sw23ae]

I need a girl that looks and me the way she looks at him in the back LOL

[@BayLuv87]

sw23ae lol frfr

[@midnight_yota]

FR she's real pretty too

[@PerFectEnigma88]

Soooo nobody goin notice how he killed this effortlessly.... plus he got Kelow latesha on the spoken word... she fire too.... DMV stand up!!!

[@triciasedicol9848]

Everyone dressed chill AF .. then zoom in to the trumpet player lookin like he’s about to go to prom 😂 .. great set ✌🏼

[@krizzyiii8197]

Grace was looking at goldlink like “ this man spitting”😂she was vibin💯vocals were extremely on point by everybody 💯Goldlink did his thang as always 💯

[@BackyardDynasty]

this version of Dark Skin Women is beautiful

[@quincygross3640]

Anthony Dones ♥️

[@nickybobbie6049]

The facial expressions of the asian pianist in the back 😂😂 acting like he blind feelin the music like Ray Charles 😂

[@alexandredoyen8227]

better to be an uber cool professional commentator like you than to be an awesome pianist

[@justinching9317]

@@alexandredoyen8227 Hi Alexandre

[@petermitchell1554]

That's Billy Davis- great artist look him up

[@justinching9317]

@@petermitchell1554 That guy's neck must feel amazing when he got to crack it after the show. I'm jealous - I can only imagine that amount of relief on his ligaments.

[@Agnes-kb2cx]

😅😅

[@lolamonroe5910]

Y'all on fire NPR Masego next please 😍😍😍😍

[@Chris-br7qo]

lola Monroe hell to the yesss

[@getwrx-d2423]

I was going to comment this! MASEGO NEXT!!

[@tiffakang4525]

Tadow!!!! 🎶🎶🎶😍

[@darnellavery1545]

Goldlink so chill

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@darnellavery1545]

Cat Lives Matter Durden I just said goldlink music is chill if you ask me everyother race on this earth should pay us black people the most humble and chill individuals on this earth not to forget extremely forgiving and helpful and we continue to get fucked over by everyone and abused but I digress let's just agree goldlink music is chill and not have this discussion to divide us

[@detago7814]

Sir, Saba and Smino and NPR will reach its final form🔥

[@isacool1990]

faaaaacctttsss

[@palesaaaa_]

Goldlink can siiing!?? Why was I sleepin on him? I stan his vocals

[@isidroalfonso8961]

You are the gift that keeps on giving. NPR THANK YOU FOR BLESSING MY PAST FEW WEEKS 😩😩😩

[@krushr4lifeimageworks231]

Jonathan Alfonso yess sir!!👌🏾👏🏾

[@rileywilliam35]

NPR y’all doing it big. Bring SiR next

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@rileywilliam35]

Cat Lives Matter Durden ✌🏿guy we here for good music not whatever you trying to do. So enjoy this music or not I don’t really care

[@shaygreen1058]

The background singer feeling him 💕 can’t blame her 😌🤷🏽‍♀️

[@nmbm]

Shay Green whats her name

[@chachi7457]

Noelle Mikaela Martin grace weber

[@ezra1329]

this version of bedtime story is so magnificent to my ears

[@pablitor9102]

"Sssstupid"😂

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@torontobud8902]

That blonde girl be like " I cant wait to slurp you "

[@PrettiMiki]

I am HERE for that harmony! Elliot & Grace givin me chills!

[@jordonbrewer2010]

You guys put up goldlinks record in the background. Respect.

[@erivera1993]

Jordon Brewer I don’t see it

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@shanshanshan23]

Efrain Rivera 12:42 between the two guys' heads. At what cost

[@Be_like_water]

From colors to npr.

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@Dave....]

COLORS is the shit

[@vibingwithchill676]

Ooooooooooooooooooh oh yeaah oh yeahhh!!

[@diggyonutube]

White boy on keys though! He's defintiely feeling it

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@bigsauce9936]

Ive had this video saved for 2 years and just got to it on my watch later. 🙏🔥 then he starts with my favorite song !!!

[@ayeshacoleman6460]

Just heard him on a track with R&B Songstress Mýa (Yes, she has new music). Had to come check him out. Where have I been? I am digging these concerts!!! NPR gotta strike up a deal to release the audio on iTunes, Google Play Music, Prime or something so I can jam on the road. I love these renditions. And please get these people some AC...

[@Woodchuck799]

NPR is on fire rn

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@kayhodson5150]

Wish this was longer! Hope he does a second session soon! Love his music

[@balkldn2103]

9:23 she looking at him like a 4 course meal

[@jettxjordan]

My favorite new artist. (I know he’s been around since 2015...)

[@thebkristian]

So we just gonna ignore the fact that the drummer got a whole stack chillin in his bag

[@reeprodigy1682]

word lol

[@HARLAB12]

Hahaha .. I peeped that

[@patrickschramek5086]

He's the man hahahaha

[@thecantomanto]

Bruh, I had to look through the comments to see if anyone else notice that. WHY? why tempt fate.

[@samet2510]

What do you mean by that?

[@sugasweet5704]

I've had a lot of "first times" with NPR...and you've yt to let me down...thanks 😍😍😍

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@sugasweet5704]

Cat Lives Matter Durden Hey find something to do with your time🙏

[@sugasweet5704]

Ethan Feldman I've never heard of Taen but thank you for sending the link to me. I love his sound... it's very smooth and relaxing. As soon as the song Too Much came on I knew it was going to be good by the beat alone then I heard him and that sealed the deal 😍😍 thanks again Ethan 😊

[@AlexisChang]

I HAVE never ever clicked faster npr ur killing it with the artists choices for tiny desk latelyyyyy

[@nikkifacesmua]

I always come back to this video! I wish Steve was there to perform Some Girl 😢

[@lynnw2953]

i want him SO bad. 😩😍😩

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@mbokelenghlomuka3480]

you not alone sis😍

[@saraissza]

Same! Lol😭😍

[@m.codeluxtv4363]

The government is perpetuating racial bias pay the trolls no attention!

[@larsarntsen4303]

SAMEEEEEEE!!!

[@EverygurlUSA]

This version of pray everyday 😭💖

[@jbecknc]

Keep coming back to this. Absolutely brilliant performance. DMV, properly represented.

[@sihlemaseko7503]

Dude on the keys on another planet feel that energy Gold Link

[@Trunxz]

His name is Billy Davis. Greatest album ever

[@ynazzra]

This has BEEN needed!

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@stereo8665]

His song "Some girl" is very good song!!! I didn't know him, but I came to liked him immediately. The back band is the best, too.

[@siliwangii1263]

Give us REX ORANGE COUNTY pls!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@ultrariz3000]

He's so slept on

[@AllThingsAction]

They had him if you havent seen it yet.

[@annyeongAnyang]

YOU WENT TO THE UOFA???? WILDCAT logo AYEEEEEE

[@pepemaravilla2042]

damn it lifts my heart to see Eliot out here doing his thing. he and all of these artists are on some celestial level of expression and I'm glad to see him thriving and getting more opportunities to share it

[@jedor]

one of the most underrated talent in recent yrs! good job npr music, i love you so much!

[@3rd9th14]

MARV BEATS ON THE VIOLIN !!! 🌍🌊 super dope NPR

[@ryubey9336]

Official!

[@ronij5080]

Searchin for compatibility...Searchin for someone that’s right for meeee🎶🔥🎶

[@whoisbjames]

13 minutes wasn't long enough Haha that was superb, they sounded great and much respect to the background singers and violinist

[@derekw6054]

Tiny desk got a lot of good artists coming on there fasho

[@henhutt4070]

Goldlink on NPR you just know its an instant classic to jam too

[@doerunboi21]

FINALLY seeing the voice behind the pray was beautiful!!!!!!!!!

[@sukoonsy]

Always inspiring to see an artist from the dmv area pursuing their dreams

[@ravee9853]

Only 2mil views???? So underrated

[@octaviousholt3907]

Definitely became a lifetime fan after watching this... Powerful.

[@denisgomez4792]

Pray Everyday it's a fucking masterpiece.

[@meghanlinehan1596]

Grace Weber lets get it!!!! She sounds so good in this with those harmonies in the back - y'all should check her out for similar vibes. Also the instruments in the back... incredible

[@graceweber]

Meghan Linehan 😘🧡

[@iamcitizen2010]

This rendition of Some Girl is the besttt

[@GDSprodify]

DMV, DC Maryland and Virginia We Here, We Deh Yah, Get Used To It!

[@AndikaPratama-xe1te]

Godbless NPR , love y'all

[@ethanfeldman8570]

soundcloud.com/user-78479367/tracks

[@missymeXZ]

This is the most perfect thing ever!!!!

[@m.codeluxtv4363]

Loved the bounce beat on Pray every day 👌🏾❤💣🔥DMV proud of you Goldlink

[@silkalex6593]

That girl in the band is feelin this ,why not ??

[@WhatWeDigtoday]

Npr you must have your thumb on my pulse! You have had consecutive favs of mine. Goldlink keep hustling you need to blow up outta control.

[@mandamumayowe290]

So beautiful the whole performance!

[@ania5378]

He is such a gem !!